As we approach the start of the new Super Rugby season, accepting of course that SA have already gone off early, it’s time to wave some burning sage around the room, cleanse all prior year grievances and start this year with a clean slate.
I would sit crossed legged and do some humming at this point, but it’s been many a year since the hamstrings would entertain that idea.
The Friday morning tee time is booked, copious amounts of Brown o’clock hydration are being iced and a welcome for the Blues at the new House of Pain is being prepared, let the season begin.
1. The name of my side is the Highlanders
For the benefit, primarily of for our Australian friends, Highlanders is one word not two, it is not hyphenated, there are neither imbedded stresses nor tonal requirements and it is not the opposite of Low Landers.
I understand the multi syllabic nature may be a challenge for some but let’s have a crack at getting this right in 2018 eh?
(AAP Image/SNPA, Adam Binns)
2. Assistant referees need to stop calling midfield back offsides
The saviour of the plodding halfback is the over officious assistant referee. What is particularly grating is when the AR is calling a midfield offside when the ball is on the other side of the park, there is no way you can see when the ball is being lifted from there Sir!
Attached is one from the 2016 Bledisloe, Owen Franks, hardly renowned for his terrific line speed was penalised here. Why the AR would make this call with the referee right there is beyond me. By all means put your flag up when the ball is out, or tell the ref to go the TMO cause you can’t make a call on the one thing you should do well, but leave those midfield calls alone and we will expose the plodding halfbacks for what they are.
3. The man of the match award
Those on The Roar after the Wales vs New Zealand EOYT match would have witnessed my minor meltdown at Rieko Ioane being awarded man of the match. It was a game where Sam Cane came close to redefining the modern open-side flanker role.
Ioane wasn’t even the best winger in the New Zealand side that day with two quite wonderful finishes under pressure by Waisake Naholo in the first half.
But I was prepared to let it lie, that is until England versus Italy a couple of weeks when winger Antony Watson was handed the Champers in a game where Sam Simmonds did the following:
– Made 22 tackles without a miss
– Scored two tries
– Ran 75 metres
– Made more line breaks and beat more defenders than Watson
– Had a further try assist
And yet the backs pick up another award, ridiculous.
So, I propose, that if your playing weight was below 95kgs then you are banned from selecting the man of the match award, and hopefully we will get some sense back in the process.
Jonathan Davies was the culprit in the Wales game, I am hunting the Italy/England offender, and really hoping it is not a forward but I suspect it may be Brian Moore.
4. Brilliant (or Bwilliant)
We all love this sport and there is a reason it is the game played in heaven, but not everything that happens is outstanding, magnificent or indeed brilliant. Much of what happens is functional, process driven and requires high level of execution from talented professionals, but again not always brilliant.
Given that most watch Super Rugby via a pay service there is no need to try to sell us the game we are trying to watch, we are already a done deal. Messrs Horan and Marshall, lets keep it real gents. The Horan/Bwilliant drinking game can be very dangerous.
5. Players of particular interest in 2018
Ben Smith
Bender’s sabbatical did not require him reporting for duty until the start of February, but there he was day one of preseason, peeking in the window, begging to be allowed to join in physical stuff for his first full preseason in years.
He was also the only international to play the full 80 as the Highlanders rolled the Crusaders in the Farmlands Cup pre-season last week too.
Last year an issue with an inner ear infection being confused with concussion symptoms, and then a real concussion bout interrupted what was to have been a shortened season anyway. With his first full preseason in years behind him I am really hoping we see Ben back to absolute best.
David Pocock
Well if anyone is going to be able to thrive in the post-new breakdown law environment then it is going to be David Pocock. The acid test of the breakdown will arrive when he returns from surgery and rhino duty to see if the laws can hold back the world’s best pilferer. It will be fascinating.
It has been reported that Robbie Deans has been playing Pocock wider of the ruck than he would normally play in an Australian side and this can only be of help for his offensive game.
I am one who does not share the general Australian positivity that Pocock has enough to his game to contribute at the top level if he doesn’t have the breakdown to focus on and consider that his lack of an offensive game can’t be carried at the very top level, we shall see.
(AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
(In a prior piece I argued that Pocock’s turnovers are worth less than to Australia than they would be to say New Zealand, as Australia is not set up to counterattack effectively, and that still holds based on 2017 structures.)
Jordie Barett
Has been reported that Jordie has reported back to training 6-7 kgs bigger than last year.
Hansen has a targeted program for upsising his players without it being allowed to speed and impact, and other than Ardie Savea, this has been an effective strategy.
The 6’4” (don’t do metric heights) talented kid with the extra weight now has the midfield as further option for him for this season. This guy could be anything.
ClarkeG
Guest
The record is stuck Sweden...same same same...Turn the thing off will you. You've now moved this exchange to a very spiteful level which is totally unacceptable. If you hadn't already overstepped my tolerance levels for you you most certainly have now...big time.I mean describing a person as a liar (blatant) is a very harsh thing indeed. Not only that, you have also accused me of accusing others of lying.Yeah right. You are a blatant liar says the big tough man in his budgie smugglers and over sized sunglasses on his deck chair poolside in Chiang Mai knocking back the vodka and puffing away on his tobacco whilst watching the ladies...yeah man...one wheelie wheelie big tough man. Lets consider this.My genuine recollection is that you have stated previously that Read was 5 metres offside. I have not just suddenly made that up - why would I.If I believe that to be true then it would not be a lie. For it to be a lie then I would have to know that what I have said is false at the time I said it.So it's not a lie. I have accused no one of being a liar and I have not told a lie. I can't be bothered with the rest of your post...detailed and technical discussion...oh really? What a load of...It's a simple enough equation. Was the player in an offside position (Y/N). Did the player play the ball (Y/N). It only needs to be detailed and technical if someone is wishing to explain away what happened. Geeezzz. I did consider the idea of exchanging emails then I had a sound moment where I reminded myself that we should be very particular about who we provide our email addresses to, so no you will not be getting mine thanks.
ClarkeG
Guest
Liar Liar Pants on Fire. You are some guy Sweden.
ClarkeG
Guest
You have no problem in taking a step back??? Ohhh yes you do. A bit harsh??? Nooo...more to the point you were point blank WRONG. Here we have another example of you having your finger on the trigger and shooting before thinking it through. I spoke to you about this very thing a couple of months ago when you did exactly the same.(bs, pathetic, grow up were words you used if I recall) Dubious tactics you're using here...you try and wear people down with your overbearing and persistent fluff and diversions...anything to avoid focusing on the point. What a lame attempted bluff we have here. You are the one that sets the tone. Any lack of civility that you receive from me and others is well earned by you because you are consistently provocative, more often than not towards NZers. Your gall, overindulgence in your self importance, your condescending and belittling attitude beggars belief...but...there it is. You often talk a big race but are notably absent at the start line. There won't be any need to move forward with you I'm afraid. You've more than used up your chips. I'll simply treat your contributions on their merits like any other and this will have zilch to do with, whether or not you support or hate any team, whether or not you admire NZ Rugby/ABs, or whether you have 0 or 15 ABs in your fantasy World XV. I simply don't care about these things and I'm sure I’ve made that clear to you previously but you just keep on feeding us with this stuff. Now if you wouldn't mind...please go away.
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
Still waiting for you to bring some evidence about my "5 meters offside-comment". But despite a very long answer of more of the same, it is not there. Why? Small pointers: -I posted a link to someone who is pro-ref, you have so far provided nothing. If there are so many other refs that agree with you and is on the record, maybe provide a few links? -I have several times explained why I think the right call was made, when this was discussed by many here at the Roar. If you provide evidence about that 5-meter offside comment, I will give it one more go, we can watch actual match-photo and go deep into the details. Otherwise, I see no point going into a detailed and very technical discussion with a blatant.liar, who can't look past his own AB's bias, and who accuses others of lying without backing it up with proof. Good thing you got a laugh, but again you have a remarkable ability to read in several things that never was written. I have never been a member of such a group, but I am a member of a couple groups where people discuss international rugby (and that is where I learned of the AB's fan pages from frustrated Kiwis who like to have an open-minded conversation with students of the game). Stuffs Facebook group might be worth checking out, hence they say it is a group for people who want to talk about all things rugby (so maybe you should stay away). If you for some reason wanna take this discussion outside the Roar (I am not sure this is that much fun for anyone else to read, feel free to contact the Roar and ask for my personal email). But don't bother unless you either provide proof for your accusations or is man enough to say sorry.
ClarkeG
Guest
Sensible response? XXX Fail Mature response? XXX Fail The suggested Wager? re Read being offside?...so I take it you are passing on that. Research? geezzzz. What did you do. Posted a link to a referee (one referee - who chose not to reveal his identity I might add) who gave an opinion ...wowww. You do know there are opinions from other referees out there that contradict the view of your referee?...don't you? ...but you haven't provided links for those have you... course not. Why would you...does not suit your agenda does it. I'm still waiting for you to explain why, in your own words, you think the decision was correct. Like you've written enough in this instance alone,let alone previously, to sink a small battle ship but we still don't have your explanation which could be covered in one or two sentences. Go figure. So now I'm lead to believe that from your point of view every time there is a penalty for playing the ball in an offside position or there is a scrum given for an accidental offside we are going to have to run away to do our own research to establish whether or not the decision was correct?...ohh ok. Like the actual law and the way it has almost always been refereed in the past will have little to do with it will it...right. But let me say I'm more than happy to go over the content of that video with you. Much of What that 'Secret Referee' says is very debatable. Maybe you could provide what you think are the most relevant points and we could work from there.But that's not going to happen is it...it would involve some real research on your part. My starting point will be this. - the 'Secret Referee' says the law of accidental offside had nothing to do with the outcome (it wasn't on the table he said) yet the outcome was a ruling of accidental offside. So he discredits himself on that point alone.I mean how could a professional referee come to that conclusion and be expected to be taken seriously...hide his real identity perhaps? well it worked for you. I still 'cant stop laughing' over the Facebook ban by the way...hahaha...it's 'hilarious'.I can just imagine the sort of stuff you would have written to earn that ban. I see Stuff NZ are starting a rugby Facebook page...perhaps you might hook into that one. I might join myself just to see how long you last. :-)
Muzzo
Guest
As you say Colvin, we Dunedin types can be so romantic. Hahaha.Got me into a lot of trouble over the years, but..... !!! Cheers mate
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
Okay CG, I was a bit harsh on this one. I give you that. See, I have no problem taking a step back when I get it wrong. How is it going finding that quote of mine where I said Read was five meters offside? You have been banging on the drum pretty hard about that, so maybe get some proof? Moving forward: I believe we could probably have good discussions in the future if you accept that 99 percent of the things we are discussing is - at the bone - opinions. it gets kind of silly when someone presents their opinions as "facts". Another thing is that maybe you should accept that I actually don't support any team and I certainly don't hate any team. The All Blacks are the best team in the world, and I am a huge admirer who follows them as closely as I possibly can. When I published my world XV a couple of months ago, I hade nine AB's in my selection. But, I am not a fan, and I don't think everything about them or NZ rugby is the best in the business. Deal with that, and you shall see that my opinions are not even close to being as provocative as you seem to think. And yes, I admit that I can have an attitude and I do banter that can be pretty raw. But frankly, I just give as good as I take. You and a couple of others are not exactly holding back the strong language when you don't agree with me, so either you take it on the chin or you show with action that you want a more civilized tone.
ClarkeG
Guest
Sometimes you just can't help have the feeling...Am I being pranked? It must be a prank surely. Why would I say this? you asked Sweden. Two reasons I think...it's true/accurate and relevant to the topic. Is it clear enough from your post that the idea come from Monye? you asked. Yes it is clear even more so due to me being aware of his comments long before I read it in your post. so what do we have here:- - Sweden makes us aware of the idea pitched by Monye. - Highlander says Monye's idea is a good idea. - ClarkeG advised that there was a counter to Monye's idea regards occasional need for a referee replacement. - Sweden said "strong argument" (ClarkeG assumes he means the counter to Monye's idea) - ClarkeG makes it clear it is not his argument (the potential need for referee replacement i.e) and rightfully credits this to Monye's colleague Chris Jones who ClarkeG says raised the issue with Monye in their programme in which Monye pitched his idea originally. So there ya go. Me thinks you are looking for issues that are not there so excuse me if I can't share your hilarity.
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
This is hilarious CG. Why are you saying this? Rugby correspondent Chris Jones covered this off in his on air discussion with Monye where the idea was pitched. Was it not clear enough that the idea came from Ugo Monye in my post?
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
Where did I say five meters? Never happen. This is the sad side of talking with you, you make things up, which is kind of scary hence it all there to see for anyone who bothers to check. Maybe you are too emotional? One thing is for certain, you have not bothered to actually do some research. I even provided you a link to an interview with a pro ref, but obviously, you prefer to interpret the laws of rugby in your fantasy world. Go ahead, but stop crying then, please. You just look a poor sport and loser.
elvis
Guest
The family history is something of a closely held secret by the elders, I'll get my hands on it one day. But some cursory research suggests both lowland descent and relation to the Campbells...
ClarkeG
Guest
[Five meters offside?!? Who said that?] I said that you said that. That's what I said. Who? YOUUUU did Sweden. You most certainly said that. Well you typed it and posted it to be exact. :-) Tell you what...I'll wager you your 'immature attitude' that you did. If I'm right you have to give up your attitude - if I'm wrong you get to keep it? :-). I'm picking it will not be hard to prove. So if my strong start to my "argumentation" is reliant on what I said you said then yes a strong start I say...your words of course. You've simply gone into your mindless default mode again...we've talked about this previously. It's churlish. Facts? What bloomin facts do you need. The fact that a player in an offside position is unable to play the ball is one of the most basic laws of the game. Has been since you were knee high to a grasshopper. The facts are in the law and the match coverage.Surely I'm not expected to bring up the respective laws again which have been posted so many times in the past. And the match coverage is self explanatory. We see a guy in a red jersey, apparently in an offside position, extend his hands and catch the ball then intentionally drop said ball. Look I don't know how many pro referees you have on the hotline out of Chiang Mai but if you have talked to any then I can't see that there would be any difficulty in you simply, in a couple of sentences in your own words, explaining why you think the decision was correct. You may be able to talk and write the house down but I actually think you can't give a reasoned argument in this instance because if you could you would have done so by now. How could you possibly hope to manage a comprehensive review of a series of three matches if you can't even manage this one thing. But here you are flippantly suggesting I should talk to pro referees and providing this link to a 1/2 hr video which I have previously asked you not to bother me with. Seriously, how hard do you think it would be for me to quote an opinion from another pro referee that does not tie in with your view. I'm not interested in anyone elses explanation. It's all been done to death. I'm interested in your's because you are the one that keeps saying it was the correct decision when there is a whole bundle of opinion/evidence that it was not correct. I've explained my point of view many times over.It is you that has not. I'm making the assumption that you are speaking from experience regards the Facebook point. You were banned? Hahaha Brilliant if that's the case. It would not be surprising if true and no doubt deserved. So anyways sensible mature responses are welcome. Otherwise...not interested thank you very much.
ClarkeG
Guest
Not my argument actually. Rugby correspondent Chris Jones covered this off in his on air discussion with Monye where the idea was pitched. Stats on how often referees need replacing during a match? No idea.
Nicholas Bishop
Expert
Yep Nel is backing, might even be starting! Josh Strauss too, so there could be a much harder edge to the Scottish forwards on Saturday :)
Digby
Roar Guru
It is mate, top bloke, hope he does well for himself in whatever he chooses from here.
ClarkeG
Guest
Nooo I think you're a wee confused.You're describing yourself there I'm afraid.You have certainly been described as having that flaw in the past. Assignments? - who are you...the Headmaster? By the way you have never answered the query put to you about the claim you made that Daly was going to win (easily) the last test for the Lions against the ABs. Still waiting. Ohhh any progress on the 2011 RWC Final essay and the 240 minute review regards officiating of the AB-Lions series. They might have been idle threats?...right?
colvin
Guest
Yes, Muzzo, I'm from that great era too. Phil Everly died a few years ago which I've found out seems to happen to all of us in the end. Like Colin Meads, who would have thought he would die? Does your wife remember "So Sad (to watch good love go bad)"? That was another big Everly Brothers song from back then. If you would like to sing it to her you can get the words from You Tube. Us Dunedin types being so romantic.
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
It is amusing how you keep on referring to your own opinions as facts. Especially on a site that is clearly branded as an opiniated sports site. By the way, have you done any of the assignments I gave you?
ClarkeG
Guest
Yep its free for sure. I'm hardly going to give you a thought if there is a cost involved sorry to say. :-) Here's another thought - well more of a fact if you like. You can't maturely and sensibly handle counter arguments to many of your posts in this forum. Pointing out facts is free as well. :-)
Highlander
Guest
Thank you Nick and while a nice idea not sure I have the creativity to turn out pieces to schedule like you boys there on the left of the page may produce random thoughts on a random basis I hear my mate WP Nel is training this week, I hope he gets back.